Snippets from Recent Hanna Project Trips
Coups, civil war and political instability have wrecked havoc in the northern regions of Cote d'Ivoire since 1999, but most especially in the northeastern corner of that once prosperous country. A rural and sparsely-populated region, many of the inhabitants there on the savanna are of the Lobi ethnic group--a people who for generations have inspired fear with their bows and poison-tipped arrows. Interestingly enough, this humble and hardworking people group is at the same time considered to be very near to the bottom of the tribal totem pole.
With the rebel occupation since 1999, the inhabitants of this northeastern region have been denied what little government help they've had access to in the past...and have watched helplessly as much of the remaining infrastructure has crumbled before their eyes while under rebel control.
Health care--be it vaccinations or access to well-stocked government clinics and hospitals--has dried up. The annually plowed dirt roads have become riverbeds and gullies. Family incomes have plummeted with the rebel forces "buying" the local cash crop of cashews for below market prices. Schoolrooms have fallen into disrepair and many villages no longer have teachers. Basic supplies--medicines, school supplies, some foods, etc.--are often in short supply throughout this region.
As is all too often the case, it is the children of this region who suffer the most. Yet, look at their proud, sweet faces.
